In this article you can find 13 of the most common problems on BMW E46 models. Like any other vehicle BMW's also have problems, the only difference is, they're something more expensive to fix.
If getting ready to buy one, or have one and want to know what might be some of the common problems to expect in the future, this list could be useful.
Burning Oil Smell and Oil drips
- BMW E46/5 325ti Compact ' 01 -, Front exhaust with metal Metallic catalytic converter right + left, Front pipes kit, Centre exhaust, Y- connecting pipe Stainless steel, Rear exhaust OO 80 'Power Loop', Rear exhaust EVO2 145 x 75 'Power Loop', Centre pipes kit Right - Left, Connecting Pipes Kit for OEM front exhaust, Manifold (Replaces OEM catalytic converter) (Left Hand Drive), Manifold.
- Bmw 320d e90 2005 flexi pipe repair. A very common problem on these vehicles. The flexi pipe can stretch and brake. This part is actually connected to the dpf, so it will cost a small fortune to replace the complete unit @ about £1500 +!
- BMW E46 M47, M47N complete exhaust system318d, 320d 1998-2003 116, 136, 150 km RWD. Pipe diameter – 63,5 mm The diameter of the exhaust tips – 70 mm.
Make sure the exhaust pipes are cool before doing any work underneath the car. Step 2a: Inspect flex disc The flex disc is the connection between the transmission output flange and the front drive shaft flange. With the car off the ground, get under the car and take a look at the flex disc located just behind the transmission.
Because the valve cover or the valve cover gasket on E46s will go bad around 60k miles, you'll find this is the #1 repair on these vehicles. The most common repair on these vehicles by all means.
Failed Window Regulator
This is not a quick repair, but it's not a difficult one. With a couple of searches online you can find some useful forum posts like this one.
Loss of Coolant
In this video you see some of the common problem areas as far as coolant leaks. It's a quick and dirty video, but it shows you some good places to look for. Common on a leaking expansion tank.
Blower Motor Final Stage Fan Resistor Failure
If you start noticing the heater fan speed varies regardless of the setting, the fan will not turn off when the car is switched off, or the fan will not switch on at all, these are all the symptoms of the Final Stage Resistor failure.
Bmw E46 320d Fiche Technique
Jolt Feeling in the Steering
This video explains how you can determine if a BMW E30, E36, or E46 3-series is experiencing control arm bushing failure. This is a common symptom of worn out thrust rod bushings in the front suspension.
Power Steering Fluid Loss
There are two commonly replaced P/S hoses on E46s. They are commonly replaced between 50k-200k miles.
Water Pump May Develop Coolant Leak
One of two things usually will happen: either it will become noisy, or it will start leaking coolant. This can cause your drive and timing belts to go bad.
Some of the common threads I found mentioned that they noticed their water pump went bad after one of the following components in their cooling system also failed; thermostat, radiator, or head gasket.
If find the same results be sure to check these items to prevent future repairs.
Noise from Top Front/Rear Doors
Dslrbooth software. This is commonly hear when the windows are completely closed. The problem is caused from worn door seals. Angry birds friends codes redeem roblox. Rubber wears out and specially if you have a vehicle that's 10-15 years old. There are all kinds of hacks out there to repair this issue, but the right thing to do is to get a new set of BMW door seals. Here are the links to the OE parts from realOEM.com:
Front (51728194682) – Back (51728194684)
Coolant Leak from Radiator
It is not uncommon for the to develop a coolant leak. A leaking radiator will require replacement. When a leaking radiator is replaced the entire cooling system should be inspected and if any additional leaks are found they should be repaired also.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
- BMW E46/5 325ti Compact ' 01 -, Front exhaust with metal Metallic catalytic converter right + left, Front pipes kit, Centre exhaust, Y- connecting pipe Stainless steel, Rear exhaust OO 80 'Power Loop', Rear exhaust EVO2 145 x 75 'Power Loop', Centre pipes kit Right - Left, Connecting Pipes Kit for OEM front exhaust, Manifold (Replaces OEM catalytic converter) (Left Hand Drive), Manifold.
- Bmw 320d e90 2005 flexi pipe repair. A very common problem on these vehicles. The flexi pipe can stretch and brake. This part is actually connected to the dpf, so it will cost a small fortune to replace the complete unit @ about £1500 +!
- BMW E46 M47, M47N complete exhaust system318d, 320d 1998-2003 116, 136, 150 km RWD. Pipe diameter – 63,5 mm The diameter of the exhaust tips – 70 mm.
Make sure the exhaust pipes are cool before doing any work underneath the car. Step 2a: Inspect flex disc The flex disc is the connection between the transmission output flange and the front drive shaft flange. With the car off the ground, get under the car and take a look at the flex disc located just behind the transmission.
Because the valve cover or the valve cover gasket on E46s will go bad around 60k miles, you'll find this is the #1 repair on these vehicles. The most common repair on these vehicles by all means.
Failed Window Regulator
This is not a quick repair, but it's not a difficult one. With a couple of searches online you can find some useful forum posts like this one.
Loss of Coolant
In this video you see some of the common problem areas as far as coolant leaks. It's a quick and dirty video, but it shows you some good places to look for. Common on a leaking expansion tank.
Blower Motor Final Stage Fan Resistor Failure
If you start noticing the heater fan speed varies regardless of the setting, the fan will not turn off when the car is switched off, or the fan will not switch on at all, these are all the symptoms of the Final Stage Resistor failure.
Bmw E46 320d Fiche Technique
Jolt Feeling in the Steering
This video explains how you can determine if a BMW E30, E36, or E46 3-series is experiencing control arm bushing failure. This is a common symptom of worn out thrust rod bushings in the front suspension.
Power Steering Fluid Loss
There are two commonly replaced P/S hoses on E46s. They are commonly replaced between 50k-200k miles.
Water Pump May Develop Coolant Leak
One of two things usually will happen: either it will become noisy, or it will start leaking coolant. This can cause your drive and timing belts to go bad.
Some of the common threads I found mentioned that they noticed their water pump went bad after one of the following components in their cooling system also failed; thermostat, radiator, or head gasket.
If find the same results be sure to check these items to prevent future repairs.
Noise from Top Front/Rear Doors
Dslrbooth software. This is commonly hear when the windows are completely closed. The problem is caused from worn door seals. Angry birds friends codes redeem roblox. Rubber wears out and specially if you have a vehicle that's 10-15 years old. There are all kinds of hacks out there to repair this issue, but the right thing to do is to get a new set of BMW door seals. Here are the links to the OE parts from realOEM.com:
Front (51728194682) – Back (51728194684)
Coolant Leak from Radiator
It is not uncommon for the to develop a coolant leak. A leaking radiator will require replacement. When a leaking radiator is replaced the entire cooling system should be inspected and if any additional leaks are found they should be repaired also.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Bmw 320d Price
Failure of Taillight Bulb housing assembly
If replacing the bulb doesn't solve the problem, the most common repair is to do a complete rear left bulb socket replacement. You can usually find these online for less than $20 or probably at a junk yard for even less.
Bmw 320d Gt
Rear left (63217165843), Rear right (63217165844)
What Is A Bmw E46
Faulty Hydraulic Lifters
Bmw E46 330i
This is a very technical repair to do, and I couldn't find any good videos that describe the problem and solve it. If you're looking to learn more about it, I would recommend reading this article on troubleshooting BMW hydraulic bucket tappets. This video is a simple procedure you can try, but it's not guaranteed to remove the check engine light.
